‘Not the Show We Sold’: John Mulaney Describes Call With ‘Kind of Apoplectic’ Netflix Exec

Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney might thrive on a carefree attitude, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t ruffling a few feathers at Netflix.

As Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk details in a new behind-the-scenes look at the show, Mulaney apparently met some pushback over last week’s premiere episode of his new live talk show.

That’s according to John Mulaney himself, who’s quoted in the piece telling his writers, “We just had the funniest call with Netflix.” As the comic relayed to his team, an unnamed executive was not thrilled with the premiere’s guest lineup—a panel that ultimately featured actors Michael Keaton and Fred Armisen, musician Joan Baez, personal finance columnist Jessica Roy, and music from Cypress Hill.

The exec, Mulaney said, felt that a lineup featuring Armisen and Baez wasn’t (in Vulture’s words) “buzzy and exciting” enough for a premiere episode. What’s more, Mulaney added that the exec didn’t even get Baez’s name right when flagging their concern: “They said, ‘And Jo Ann Baez?’” the host recalled. “And I said, ‘It’s Joan.’”

Per Mulaney, the executive told him “This is not the show we sold.”

“It was great to see someone kind of apoplectic,” Mulaney is quoted saying. “Like, Oh honey, do you know what you bought?”

The comic went on to describe another interaction with Netflix in the same call, recalling an exec telling him, “We don’t even understand what this rundown means.”  

“I’m like, ‘Yeah, you think you’ll feel better when I explain telescope murder?’” Mulaney said. “If I walk you through that it’s a Body Double parody, you’ll feel better about the spend?’”

Asked by one of his writers who would even be considered a suitable big-name get for the show, Mulaney reportedly responded  “no one knows.”

“He has a hard time imagining a potential viewer who has no interest in a new Mulaney show then changes their mind after they hear someone like Tom Hardy is going to be a guest,” VanArendonk writes. 

“The show’s not good, guys,” Mulaney told his writing staff. “That’s the thing about the show, is it’s not like, ‘Oh, this is awesome!’ It’s great, but it’s not good.”

The second episode of Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney will see the comic welcome Quinta Brunson, Nick Kroll, Ben Stiller, and a potentially history-making performance by Kim Gordon and Kim Deal. It streams live on Netflix tonight at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.